Voters across Forest of Dean District are being encouraged to make sure they are prepared for the general election ahead of the deadlines so that they can vote on July 4. 

To take part in any election anyone over the age of 18 must be registered in the area they live in. Some people eligible to vote may not be registered and therefore will not be able to cast a vote. This may be because they have recently moved, or are voting for the first time.  

Residents can make an application to register to vote through the Government website which takes only five minutes to complete. They must register by Tuesday 18 June and can do so at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote. 

Residents who are away on Thursday 4 July, or prefer to vote by post, must apply for a postal vote before the deadline of 5pm Wednesday 19 June.

Anyone applying to vote by post will need to provide their national insurance number as part of the application. If you have an existing postal vote arrangement, you do not need to reapply. 

Electors may also choose to vote by proxy, where they appoint someone to vote on their behalf. The deadline to appoint a proxy is 5pm Wednesday 26 June. Proxy voters will be required to show their own valid ID when voting on behalf of someone else. 

Residents are being urged to make sure they are ready to vote in polling stations in July by checking they have an accepted form of photographic ID.  

Accepted forms of photographic ID include a UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Commonwealth passport; a UK, EEA or Commonwealth photocard driving licence; and some concessionary travel passes, such as an older person’s bus pass. Voters will be able to use expired ID as long as the photograph is still a good likeness. Voters may be required to provide further proof of identity if there is any discrepancy between the name shown on the form of photographic ID and the name the voter claims at the polling station. 

Anyone who does not have one of the accepted forms of ID will be able to apply for free ID online at voter-authority-certificate.service.gov.uk/ or by completing a paper form which is available from the Council. 

More information is available on the Forest of Dean District Council website, including details of how to apply for the free ID. Anyone not able to visit the council website, or apply for a Voter Authority Certificate online, is being encouraged to contact the Council by calling 01594 812638. Residents must have applied for Voter Authority Certificate by 5pm Wednesday 26 June. 

Andrew Knott, Local Returning Officer for Forest of Dean District Council, said: 

“It is important that those who want to vote in the general election make sure they are registered and that they have an accepted form of photo ID for voting in person in a polling station. 

“If anyone is unable to go to a polling station on Thursday 4 July they can apply to vote by post or even appoint a proxy - a person you trust to vote on your behalf. 

“Remember before you can apply for a postal vote or appoint a proxy you must be registered to vote. 

“Residents who do not have one of the accepted forms of ID can apply for free ID either online or by completing a paper application form which is available at our offices or by calling us at 01594 812638. If you need any help with applying for the free ID or want to request an application form please contact us at the number above.”